Welcome to Palawan, a tropical destination in the Philippines known for its stunning beaches that will take your breath away. El Nido, nestled among the pristine waters of the Bacuit Archipelago, is home to some of the world’s top beaches, each giving a distinct and enchanting experience.
About El Nido, the Philippine paradise with palm-tree forests and fine sandy beaches, I wrote extensively in some previous articles.
I told you, with details, how you can get there, the right time to visit, what activities I recommend, and how the locals are, but now is the time to reveal the top beaches in El Nido Palawan.
Around the archipelago are many islands; probably because of this, the number of beaches in El Nido Palawan grows exponentially.
So in this top, I included only those beaches that you can easily reach, being relatively close to El Nido.
Although I only spent 5 days in El Nido, all were very warm and sunny. I had the opportunity to explore the surroundings with a scooter. I went on a tour, traveled with the scooter, and walked around the island, so I got to know the surroundings pretty well and realized how many were to be seen.
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If you want to visit or have already made plans for Palawan and El Nido, then make sure you add these 7 beautiful beaches in El Nido to your list:
What I use every time I travel:
- To book hotels: Booking.com
- To book tours: GetYourGuide.com
Where to stay in El Nido:
- budget: Corong Beach Resort – good location, beachfront
- mid-range: ANITSA RESORT – pool, breakfast included, spacious rooms
- luxury: Maremegmeg Beach Club – great design, beautiful pool, restaurant, bar, beachfront
TOP 7 best beaches in EL NIDO Palawan
7. El Nido Bay Beach
El Nido Bay is the starting point for all the island hopping tours, even for the ferries that go daily to Coron. The beach is generally bustling, located just outside the city.
There are many hotels and restaurants, and the atmosphere is pleasant overall.
The view will not disappoint you, as the sharp limestone cliffs and the turquoise waters of the Philippines Sea surround the lagoon. No wonder why I chose to include it in the list of best beaches in El Nido.
Unfortunately, I didn’t take any photos of the beach, but I took a while inside the boat, prepared to venture out on an island hopping tour.
This lovely beach provides a delightful blend of tropical beauty and tranquillity. Its soft, powdery white dunes and crystal-clear turquoise seas make it the ideal setting for relaxation and renewal. El Nido Bay Beach, surrounded by lush flora and spectacular limestone cliffs, offers breathtaking panoramic vistas that enchant the spirit.
6. Marimegmeg Beach | Best beaches in El Nido Palawan
Marimegmeg Beach is just a few kilometers from the city center and can be easily reached by tricycle. A trip to Marimegmeg Beach from El Nido town costs about 100 Php ($ 2).
Relatively narrow but very long, the beach here is perfect for renting a lounge chair and getting a nice tan while admiring, in the distance, some of the islands where you can go on a tour.
Also, on Marimegmeg Beach, you can watch the sunset and have fun at a party with good music and lovely lights after dark.
Here, you can also enjoy a shake, a cocktail, or a delicious lunch at one of the pubs and restaurants with a great sea view.
In the 5 days spent in El Nido, I saw that Marimegmeg is one of Palawan’s favorite places for tourists and backpackers.
Another reason I included Marimegmeg Beach in the top 7 best beaches in El Nido Palawan is because it is well-known for its spectacular sunsets, which provide a fascinating display of hues that paint the sky. Adventurers can enjoy daring activities such as ziplining across the bay for a one-of-a-kind and exhilarating experience.
Marimegmeg Beach, surrounded by lush foliage and limestone cliffs, offers a calm getaway from the hustle and bustle, making it a must-see site for any traveler experiencing El Nido.
READ ALSO: Top 16 beaches in Palawan
5. Corong Corong Beach
Corong Corong was the first beach I visited when I arrived in El Nido, and was accommodated for 3 days.
Although similar to Marimegmeg, the beach here is a bit more disordered, but the panorama is still sensational.
There are many hotels and restaurants, but the atmosphere is quieter. Another plus is the proximity to downtown El Nido.
Corong Corong Beach is one of the must-see beaches in El Nido Palawan, a lovely and serene refuge outside of the town. In contrast to the bustling town center, this laid-back beach offers a more calm and peaceful atmosphere.
With its powdery white sand and clear blue waves, Corong Corong is excellent for relaxing and admiring nature’s splendor. The beach also provides stunning views of the nearby limestone cliffs and gorgeous sunsets that are a photographer’s dream.
Visitors can enjoy excellent local food while watching the sun sink below the horizon while dining on the beach. Corong Corong Beach in El Nido is a tranquil hideaway that promises a memorable and soul-soothing experience.
4. Twin Beaches | Best beaches in El Nido Palawan
Number 1 on my bucket list of El Nido was the hill on the top of which you can see the two twin beaches in the north of the island.
Unfortunately, in the meantime, the place has become inaccessible to the public, being privately owned and well-guarded, so you can no longer enjoy the splendid view unless you have a drone to fly around.
However, the two beaches are worth visiting and adding to your list of must-see beaches in El Nido, being secluded and less touristy.
The twin beaches are lined with coconut palm trees and provide stunning views of the verdant and turquoise waters surrounding them. Twin Beaches promises a tranquil escape that will leave guests in awe of nature’s magnificent artistry.
3. Seven Commandos Beach
It is the only beach from the island hopping tour I decided to include in this top mainly because although it is only accessible by water, Seven Commandos Beach is located on El Nido’s continental part, behind the rocks near the city.
The controversial name comes from an interesting legend, according to which 7 Japanese soldiers would have retired here after the end of the Second World War.
The water here is very blue and rich in marine life, which recommends for a snorkeling session.
Seven Commandos Beach provides a magnificent backdrop for relaxation and adventure with its smooth, powdery white sands, swaying palm trees, and crystal-clear seas. It’s a beautiful snorkeling location, with colorful marine life and coral reefs beneath the surface.
The serene ambiance of the beach, along with the spectacular limestone cliffs in the background, produces a postcard-perfect image that will make an indelible impression on every visitor.
Seven Commandos Beach is often considered one of the best beaches in El Nido for several reasons: natural beauty, seclusion, snorkeling opportunities, activities, gorgeous sunsets, legends and history and many more.
2. Nacpan Beach | Best beaches in El Nido Palawan
Situated right next to the two twin beaches, about 40 minutes walk from downtown, Nacpan Beach is a beautiful, very long, and vast beach surrounded by a dense palm tree forest with ideal swimming waves.
Although it has become famous for its beauty lately, the beach is less touristy because of its secludedness and the extended distance from the city center.
Nacpan Beach is one of the best beaches in El Nido for various reasons. Its four-kilometer-long shoreline offers a large expanse of soft, golden sand, allowing plenty of space for relaxation and exploration.
The calm waves and crystal blue seas create an ideal atmosphere for swimming and aquatic activities. Nacpan’s natural beauty, surrounded by coconut palm trees and abundant flora, creates a tranquil and picturesque atmosphere.
Adventurers can also participate in beach camping activities and climb surrounding hills for panoramic views. In El Nido, Nacpan Beach delivers a unique tropical paradise experience.
1. Las Cabanas Beach
I think Las Cabanas is the most beautiful beach in El Nido.
Hammocks, fine sand, palm trees, beautiful views, the best sunset spot, and a very exotic atmosphere are the main reasons for choosing Las Cabanas anytime I revisit El Nido.
I recommend that you get here with the zip line, about which I have written more here.
Do not take the round-trip; instead, go for a one-way and descend on the island in front of the beach for a romantic stroll to Las Cabanas.
For several reasons, Las Cabanas Beach is undoubtedly one of the best beaches in El Nido. Its smooth white sand and crystal-clear blue waters make an enticing sanctuary for beachgoers to relax and enjoy the tropical splendor.
The calm and relaxed environment of the beach provides a welcome respite from the hectic town core. Las Cabanas is famous for its breathtaking sunsets that you shouldn’t miss.
Las Cabanas Beach, with its stunning scenery and many activities, is a must-see in El Nido.
Things to know before visiting El Nido
The best time to visit the best beaches in El Nido Palawan
It’s better to visit El Nido during the dry season from November to May. This time of year has the best weather, with warm and sunny days and little rain, making it excellent for outdoor activities.
Due to the beautiful weather, December to February is considered peak months, attracting more tourists. Consider visiting in November and May if you want fewer crowds and slightly reduced lodging rates.
How many days to spend in El Nido
The amount of days you should spend in El Nido depends on each person. I recommend you spend at least 3 to 4 days seeing El Nido’s highlights. This time frame allows you to do at least two or three island hopping tours, explore the best beaches in El Nido, lagoons, and limestone formations, and relax.
However, if you have the time and want a more in-depth experience, you may easily stay a week or more in El Nido. 7 days should be enough time to go beyond the conventional tours and explore more secluded or less-visited locations.
Best tours and activities in El Nido
El Nido has diverse tours and activities to suit various interests and preferences. However, these are the island hopping tours in El Nido that you shouldn’t miss:
- Island Hopping Tour A
- Island Hopping Tour B
- Island Hopping Tour C
- Island Hopping Tour D
Where to eat in El Nido
El Nido provides a unique gastronomic experience that combines traditional Filipino cuisine with international dishes. Here are some of the most popular restaurants in El Nido:
- Republica Sunset Bar
- No Mames
- El Nido Boutique Art Cafe
- Happiness beach bar
How to get around El Nid0
Getting around El Nido is simple, and there are various choices for exploring the town and its surroundings:
- Tuk-tuks are a popular means of transportation in El Nido. They may take you to town or nearby areas, and the price is negotiable.
- Motorcycle Rentals: You may rent a motorcycle or scooter in El Nido; this is, in my opinion, the most attractive way to visit the island.
- Island Hopping Tours: the ideal method to view El Nido’s most hidden lagoons and beaches.
- Boat rentals: for a more intimate island hopping experience with a smaller group
- Walking: Because El Nido is tiny and easy to explore on foot, walking is a terrific method to get around.
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